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Introduction Charles Sanders Peirce's work has significantly influenced philosophy, logic, and linguistics, particularly through his exploration of how different types of signs shape human thought and communication. In his essay What is a Sign? , he discusses three categories of signs—icons, indices, and symbols—and illustrates their interplay using a biblical story. This article aims to analyze his sign typology through this example and assess its limitations. Specifically, it critiques the biblical illustration for being overly language-centered, which can make it difficult for students to understand. As an alternative, the article proposes using the investigative work of detectives like Sherlock Holmes, offering a more tangible and relatable example of how icons, indices, and symbols interact. This shift can help make Peirce's ideas more accessible to those new to semiotic concepts. Overview of Peirce’s Theory of Signs Peirce's theory of signs categorizes them into...

  Introduction This article examines the evolution of philosophy's role in relation to the natural sciences, the emergence of the Linguistic Turn , and offers a critique of its focus on symbols (concepts, mathematical formulas, etc.) from a Peircean perspective. The Linguistic Turn fundamentally redefined philosophy, emphasizing the study of language and symbols, and shifting the discipline away from empirical engagement. This approach, while deepening our understanding of conceptual relationships, risks narrowing the discipline’s scope. Charles Sanders Peirce’s semiotic theory, which integrates icons (resemblances), indices (causal connections), and symbols (language), offers a richer way to connect thought and reality. His analysis underscores the need for a balanced strategy that values experiential insight alongside cognitive clarity. Historical Background of Philosophy and the Natural Sciences In antiquity, philosophers like Aristotle and Plato regarded philosophy as ...

Introduction This article delves into Ferdinand de Saussure's critical distinctions between linguistics and the natural sciences, expanding upon insights from his seminal work, Course in General Linguistics . These contrasts remain relevant today, particularly because Saussure’s ideas have often been misinterpreted and misapplied in broader discussions about the nature of knowledge. While he emphasized the context-dependent and socially constructed character of linguistic laws, some 20th-century thinkers have misused his concepts to challenge the universality and stability of scientific laws. This article argues that such misinterpretations misrepresent his original intent and result in destabilizing claims about empirical inquiry, undermining the foundational principles of the natural sciences. Clarifying Saussure’s differentiations allows for a deeper appreciation of the unique quality of linguistic study and the integrity of systematic methodologies. Saussure’s Distincti...